Digital image processing apparatus and method of controlling the same

ABSTRACT

Provided are a digital image processing apparatus that detects a motion of a body, such as oscillation, shake, or velocity change of the body, to perform a photographing preparation operation, and a method of controlling the digital image processing apparatus. The digital image processing apparatus includes a motion sensor installed in the apparatus and configured to generate a signal in response to motion of the apparatus, and a controller receiving the motion signal, and controlling the digital image processing apparatus to perform a photographing preparation operation when the signal indicates that the motion is a photographing motion made in preparation of a user performing photography.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No.10-2008-0112209, filed on Nov. 12, 2008 in the Korean IntellectualProperty Office, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The disclosure of a digital image processing apparatus and method ofcontrolling the same relates to a digital image processing apparatusthat can detect a user's preliminary-photographing motion and a methodof controlling the digital image processing apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

A digital image processing device includes devices necessary forprocessing images acquired using a digital camera, a personal digitalassistant (PDA), a phone camera, or a PC camera, or includes an imagerecognition sensor.

In the digital image processing device, an image input through an imagepickup device can be displayed and seen on an image display device. Inaddition, a user can capture a desired image by using a shutter releasebutton and store the desired image as an image file while confirming theimage displayed on the display device.

A user may spontaneously see an image to capture using their digitalimage processing apparatus only to miss the image because the user hasto wait for the digital image processing apparatus to power on. Themissed images may be important to the user and the user may becomefrustrated with the digital image processing apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A digital image processing apparatus is disclosed. The digital imageapparatus includes a motion sensor installed in the digital imageprocessing apparatus and configured to generate a motion signal inresponse to motion of the apparatus; and a controller configured toreceive the motion signal and generate a photographing preparationsignal when the motion signal is determined to be a photographingmotion; and the digital image processing apparatus may be configured toperform a photographing operation in response to the generatedphotographing preparation signal.

The photographing motion may be a user moving the digital imageprocessing apparatus to the user's face.

The digital image processing may include a power switch configured toenter a power-on state in response to the generated photographingpreparation signal.

The motion sensor comprises may include an angular velocity sensorconfigured to measure an angular velocity of the apparatus; and anacceleration sensor configured to measure a velocity change of theapparatus.

The digital image processing apparatus may include a zoom lens; adriving unit configured to drive the zoom lens; and the digital imageprocessing apparatus may be configured to move the zoom lens to areference location in response to the generated photographingpreparation signal.

The digital image processing apparatus may be configured to move thezoom lens at a second velocity higher than a first velocity in responseto the generated photographing preparation signal and a user'smanipulation of the zoom lens at the first velocity.

The controller may be configured to generate a signal for the powerswitch to enter a power-off state when the digital processing apparatusis idle for a reference period of time.

The digital image processing apparatus may be a digital camera, apersonal digital assistant (PDA), a phone camera, a PC camera, or adevice that includes an image recognition sensor.

The controller may be configured to receive the motion signal from theangular velocity sensor and the acceleration sensor and configured togenerate the photographing preparation signal when the signal receivedfrom the angular velocity sensor is greater than a first reference levelor when the signal from acceleration sensor is greater than a secondreference level.

A method of controlling a digital image processing apparatus isdisclosed. The method includes in response to motion of the apparatus,generating a motion signal; determining whether or not the motion signalis a photographing motion; generating a photographing preparation signalwhen the generated motion signal is determined to be a photographingmotion; and when the photographing preparation signal is generated,performing a photographing preparation operation.

In response to motion of the apparatus may include in response to motionof the apparatus, generating a motion signal when the power switch ispowered-off.

Perform a photographing preparation operation may include performing aphotographing preparation operation by powering-on a power switch of thedigital image processing apparatus.

Generating may include in response to motion of the apparatus,generating a first motion signal indicating an angular velocity of theapparatus and generating a second motion signal indicating anacceleration of the apparatus.

Determining whether or not the motion signal is a photographing motionmay include determining the motion signal is a photographing motion ifthe level of the first signal is greater than a first reference level orif the level of the second signal is greater than a second referencelevel.

Determining whether or not the motion signal is a photographing motionmay include determining the motion signal is a photographing motionbased on the first signal and the second signal.

The method of may include powering-off the power switch when the digitalimage processing apparatus does not operate for a reference period oftime.

Performing a photographing preparation operation may include performinga photographing preparation operation by moving a zoom lens to areference location.

Performing a photographing preparation operation may include performinga photographing preparation operation by setting a driving velocity atwhich the zoom lens barrel is driven so as to move the zoom lens to thereference location.

The method may include performing a photographing preparation operationby: when the zoom lens is moved at a first velocity by a user's zoomingmanipulation, moving the zoom lens at a second velocity higher than thefirst velocity.

Moving a zoom lens may include operating a barrel of the zoom lens;determining whether the zoom lens barrel is moved to a referencelocation that is previously set; and stopping the operation of the zoomlens barrel when the zoom lens barrel is moved to the referencelocation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features and advantages of the disclosure of thedigital photographing apparatus and method to control same will becomemore apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments thereof withreference to the attached drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the external shape of thebackside of a digital camera as an example of a digital image processingdevice;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example of a controlapparatus of a digital image processing device according;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example of a digital image processingdevice;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an example of a method of controlling a digitalimage processing apparatus; and

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an example a method of controlling a digitalimage processing apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Thus there is a need in the art for a digital image processing apparatusincluding a motion sensor installed in the digital image processingapparatus and configured to generate a motion signal in response tomotion of the apparatus; and a controller configured to receive themotion signal and generate a photographing preparation signal when themotion signal is determined to be a photographing motion; and whereinthe digital image processing apparatus is configured to perform aphotographing operation in response to the generated photographingpreparation signal.

Hereinafter, the disclosure of the digital photographing apparatus andmethod to control same will be described in detail by explainingexemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the external shape of the backside of adigital camera 100 as an example of a digital image processing device.

Referring to FIG. 1, a direction button 21, a menu-OK button 22, a wideangle-zoom button (W), a telephoto-zoom button (T), and a display panel25 may be disposed on the backside of the digital camera 100.

The direction button 21 may include a total of four buttons, an upbutton 21A, a down button 21B, a left button 21C, and a right button21D. The direction button 21 and the menu-OK button 22 are input keysfor executing a variety of operations of the digital camera 100.

The view angle may increase or decrease according to an input of thewide angle-zoom button (W) or the telephoto-zoom button (T). Inparticular, the buttons can be used in order to change the magnitude ofa selected exposed area. In this case, when the signal of the wideangle-zoom button (W) is input, the magnitude of the selected exposedarea may increase, and when the signal of the telephoto-zoom button (T)is input, the magnitude of the area may decrease.

An image display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) may beused as the display panel 25. A sound that is recorded via a microphonemay be output by a speaker (SP).

An object lens and an eyepiece may be disposed on the front and backsurfaces of a viewfinder 27, respectively, that is, on the front or backsurface of the digital camera 100, respectively.

The shutter release button 26 opens and closes the shutter in order toexpose an image pickup device such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or afilm to light for a predetermined time. Also, the shutter release button26 appropriately exposes an object in conjunction with an aperture (notshown) so that an image can be recorded in the image pickup device.

A motion sensor 310 (see FIG. 3) is installed in a body 100 a of thedigital camera 100 and detects an instant motion of the body 100 a. Atthis time, when the instant motion of the body 100 a has a value equalto or larger than a reference value that is previously set in a sleepmode, this is recognized as a user's motion for photographing, and thusa photographing preparation operation may be performed.

An example of a digital image processing apparatus is the digitalcamera, and a method and apparatus for controlling the digital camerathat are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2004/0130650 (Title: Method of Automatically Focusing using QuadraticFunction in Camera), the entire contents of which is herein incorporatedby reference, filed by the applicant of the present application.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a control apparatus 200of a digital image processing device according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. The control apparatus 200 may be mounted inside thedigital camera 100 illustrated in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 2, an optical system (OPS) including a lens unit and afilter unit optically processes light bouncing from an object. The lensunit of the optical system (OPS) includes a zoom lens, a focus lens, anda compensation lens. When the user presses the wide angle-zoom button(W) or the telephoto-zoom button (T) included in the user input unit(INP), a corresponding signal is input to a microcontroller 212.

Accordingly, the microcontroller 212 controls a driving unit 210,thereby driving a zoom motor (M_(Z)) and moving the zoom lens. That is,when the wide angle-zoom button (W) is pressed, the focal length of thezoom lens becomes shorter, thereby widening the view angle, and when thetelephoto-zoom button (T) is pressed, the focal length of the zoom lensbecomes longer, thereby narrowing the view angle.

In an auto focusing mode, a main controller embedded in a digital signalprocessor 207 controls the driving unit 210 through the microcontroller212, thereby driving a focus motor (M_(F)). That is, by driving thefocus motor (M_(F)), the focus lens is moved to a position where theclearest photo can be obtained.

The compensation lens compensates for the refractive index, andtherefore may not be separately driven. Reference symbol M_(A) indicatesa motor for driving an aperture (not shown).

In a filter unit of the optical system (OPS), an optical low pass filterremoves optical nose having a high frequency component. An infra-red cutfilter cuts off an infrared component of incident light.

A photoelectric conversion unit (OEC) of the control apparatus 200 mayinclude an image pickup device such as a CCD and a complementarymetal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) device. The photoelectric conversionunit (OEC) converts light from the optical system (OPS) into an analogelectric signal.

An analog-digital conversion unit of the control apparatus 200 mayinclude a correlation double sampler and an analog-to-digital converter(CDS-ADC) device 201. The analog-digital conversion unit processes ananalog signal from the photoelectric conversion unit (OEC) to removehigh frequency noise and adjust the amplitude thereof, and then,converts the signal into a digital signal. In this case, a digitalsignal processor 207 controls a timing circuit 202, thereby controllingoperations of the photoelectric conversion unit (OEC) and theanalog-digital conversion unit 201.

A real-time clock 202 provides time information to the digital signalprocessor 207. The digital signal processor 207 processes a digitalsignal from the CDS-ADC device 201, thereby generating a digital imagesignal defined by a luminance (Y value) and chromaticity (R, G, B)values.

A light emitting unit (LAMP) driven by the microcontroller 212 accordingto control of the main controller embedded in the digital signalprocessor 207 may be a self-timer lamp, an auto-focusing lamp, a modeindication lamp and a flash wait lamp. The user input unit (INP) mayinclude a direction button 21 (see FIG. 1), a wide angle-zoom button(W), and a telephoto-zoom button (T).

A digital image signal from the digital signal processor 207 istemporarily stored in a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) 204. Methodsand setting data such as a booting program and a key input programrequired for the operation of the digital signal processor 207 arestored in an electrically erasable and programmable read only memory(EEPROM) 205. A memory card of the user may be attached to or detachedfrom a memory card interface (MCI) 206.

A digital image signal from the digital signal processor 207 is input toa display panel driving unit 214, and as a result, an image is displayedon a display panel 25.

A digital image signal from the digital signal processor 207 may betransmitted as a serial communication signal through a universal serialbus (USB) connection unit 31A or an RS232C interface 208 and aconnection unit 31B thereof, or may be transmitted as a video signalthrough a video filter 209 and a video output unit 31C.

The digital signal processor 207 may include a microcontroller embeddedtherein.

An audio processor 213 outputs a voice signal from a microphone (MIC) tothe digital signal processor 207 or a speaker (SP) and an audio signalfrom the digital signal processor 207 to the speaker (SP).

In addition, the control apparatus 200 may include an angular velocitysensor 221 and an acceleration sensor 222. The angular velocity sensor221 may detect an angular velocity due to a motion of the body 100 a.The acceleration sensor 222 may detect a change in a velocity due to themotion of the body 100 a. The angular velocity sensor 221 may be a gyrosensor.

The angular velocity sensor 221 and the acceleration sensor 222 maycorrespond to an angular velocity sensor 311 and an acceleration sensor312 of an example of a digital image processing device 300 of FIG. 3,respectively.

The digital signal processor 207 and/or the microcontroller 212 may beincluded in a controller 320 of FIG. 3. The zoom lens of the lens unitcorresponds to a zoom lens 341 included in an operation unit 340 of FIG.3. The driving unit 210 may functions as a driving unit 342 and adriving driver 343 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example of a digital image processingdevice 300.

Referring to FIG. 3, the digital image processing device 300 may includethe motion sensor 310 and the controller 320.

The motion sensor 310 may be installed in the body 100 a (see FIG. 1),and may detect the motion of the body 100 a to generate a motion signal.The controller 320 receives the motion signal, and then controls thedigital processing device 300 to perform a photographing preparationoperation when a signal level of the motion signal is equal to or higherthan a reference level that is previously set.

The digital image processing device 300 may detect the motion of thebody 100 a via the motion sensor 310, and then may perform thephotographing preparation operation when the motion of the body 100 a isrecognized as a photographing preliminary motion.

For example, when a user suddenly picks up the digital image processingdevice 300 in order to take a picture, an acceleration or angularvelocity of the motion of the body 100 a may be momentarily generated.

In this case, even if the digital image processing device 300 is in apower-off state or in a sleep mode, the digital image processing device300 can be powered-on without pushing a separate power button to enter amode in which the digital image processing device 300 can performphotographing.

Since a user can save time by not having to push the power button, thephotographing preparation operation can be completed within a shortperiod of time. Thus, an unexpected chance for a photograph can beseized.

In order to perform the photographing preparation operation, the digitalimage processing device 300 includes a power switch 330. When the powerswitch 330 is maintained in a power-off state, and then the power switch330 changes to a power-on state in response to a photographingpreparation signal input from the controller 320, the photographingpreparation operation can be performed.

That is, when the digital image processing device 300 is in a sleep modecorresponding to a power saving mode, and then the digital imageprocessing device 300 recognizes the photographing preliminary motion inresponse to the motion signal input from the motion sensor 310, thephotographing preparation operation can be performed. At this time, inthe sleep mode, the power switch 330 may be maintained in a power-offstate.

In the sleep mode, all elements of the digital image processing device300 except for some elements required to promptly use the digital imageprocessing device 300 may be maintained in a power-off state. In thiscase, when the digital image processing device 300 does not operate fora reference period of time that is previously set or a period of timelonger than the reference period, the power switch 330 may be designedto enter a power-off state.

The motion sensor 310 may include the angular velocity sensor 311 andthe acceleration sensor 312. The angular velocity sensor 311 may detectan angular velocity due to the motion of the body 100 a. Theacceleration sensor 312 may detect the velocity change due to the motionof the body 100 a.

At this time, the angular velocity may be generated by shake of the body100 a, and the velocity change may be generated by oscillation of thebody 100 a. In addition, the angular velocity sensor 311 may be a gyrosensor.

That is, the motion sensor 310 is configured by combining the angularvelocity sensor 311 and the acceleration sensor 312. Thus, when theangular velocity due to the shake of the body 100 a or the velocitychange due to the oscillation of the body 100 a is equal to or higherthan a predetermined reference level that is previously set, the motionof the body 100 a can be recognized as the photographing preliminarymotion.

The photographing preliminary motion may be referred to as aphotographing motion or a user's photographing preliminary motion. Thephotographing preliminary motion is a motion that indicates that a userof the digital image processing device 300 has moved the digital imageprocessing device 300 in order to use the digital image processingdevice 300.

In general, the angular velocity corresponds to a rotational componentof the motion of the body 100 a, and the velocity change corresponds toa linear component of the motion of the body 100 a. Thus, since thedigital image processing device 300 includes both the angular velocitysensor 311 and the acceleration sensor 312, the digital image processingdevice 300 can recognize a momentary change due to the motion of thebody 100 a.

In another embodiment, the digital image processing device 300 mayinclude the motion sensor 310, the controller 320, the power switch 330,and the operation unit 340. The operation unit 340 may perform thephotographing preparation operation by the photographing preparationsignal input from the controller 320.

The operation unit 340 may include the zoom lens 341, the driving unit342, and the driving driver 343.

In the digital image processing device 300 including the zoom lens 341,when the digital image processing device 300 recognizes thephotographing preliminary motion by the motion signal of the motionsensor 310, in a sleep mode in which the power switch 330 ispowered-off, the power switch 330 may be powered-on, and the zoom lens341 may be moved to a reference location that is previously set.

In this case, since the zoom lens 341 is installed in a zoom lensbarrel, the zoom lens 341 is moved by an operation of the zoom lensbarrel.

However, in the case of a single focus camera having no zoom lens, orwhen a zoom lens is positioned at a reference location in a sleep modecorresponding to a power saving mode, the operation unit 340 for movingthe zoom lens does not operate in the photographing preparationoperation.

The zoom lens 341 may be moved to a reference location that ispreviously set in response to the photographing preparation signal. Thedriving unit 342 may move the zoom lens 341 to the reference location.The driving driver 343 may control the driving unit 342. At this time,the reference location may be a wide-angel end WIDE of the zoom lensbarrel, like in a general case.

The driving driver 343 may be a motor drive integrated circuit (MDIC).The driving driver 343 may be designed so as to be installed in thecontroller 320.

A moving velocity of the zoom lens 342 at which the zoom lens 341 movesduring the photographing preparation operation may be the same as amoving velocity of the zoom lens 342 at which the zoom lens 341 movesduring a general photographing operation. In this case, when the motionsignal input from the motion sensor 310 is recognized as thephotographing preparation signal, the power switch 330 enters a power-onstate, and the zoom lens 341 is moved to the wide-angle end WIDE of thezoom lens barrel. Then, after the photographing preparation operation iscompleted, the digital image processing device 300 may wait for aphotographing initiation signal input by a user.

When a signal level of the motion signal is lower than a referencelevel, a user's motion is not recognized as a photographing preliminarymotion. When the signal level of the motion signal is equal to or higherthan the reference level, the user's motion is recognized as aphotographing preliminary motion.

Thus, in the sleep mode in which the power switch 330 is powered-off,when the signal level of the motion signal is lower than the referencelevel, the digital image processing device 300 may be maintained in asleep mode. In this case, when the signal level of the motion signal isequal to or higher than the reference level, the user's motion isrecognized as a photographing preliminary motion. Thus, the power switch330 enters a power-on state. In addition, in the presence of the zoomlens 341, the zoom lens 341 may be moved to a photographing preparationlocation.

At this time, when the zoom lens 341 is moved by a user's manipulationof the power switch 330, the zoom lens 341 moves at a first velocity. Onthe other hand, when the signal level of the motion signal is equal toor higher than the reference level, the zoom lens 341 may be moved at asecond velocity that is higher than the first velocity. Thus, thephotographing preparation operation due to a user's momentary motion iscompleted at high speed, and thus a user can capture a desired imagewithout missing a chance for photographing.

At this time, the zoom lens barrel may operate in order to move the zoomlens 341 to the photographing preparation location. When a problemarises with power consumption of the zoom lens barrel or load applied tothe driving driver 342 during the operation of the zoom lens barrel, thezoom lens barrel may be driven at the first velocity. When a rapidoperation of the zoom lens barrel is required, the zoom lens barrel maybe driven at the second velocity.

The zoom lens barrel can be driven at high speed via a method of drivingthe zoom lens barrel, or by increasing a driving voltage of the drivingunit 342.

According to the present embodiment, when the digital image processingdevice 300 detects the motion of the body 100 a through the motionsensor 310, if the motion of the body 100 a is recognized as thephotographing preliminary motion, the digital image processing device300 may perform the photographing preparation operation.

Even if the digital image processing device 300 is in a power-off stateor in a sleep mode, the digital image processing device 300 can bepowered-on without pushing a separate power button to enter a mode inwhich the digital image processing device 300 can perform photographing.Thus, since the photographing preparation operation can be completed fora short period of time in response to a user's momentary motion, anunexpected chance for photography can be seized to capture a desiredimage.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an example of a method (S400) of controlling adigital image processing apparatus, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. The method (S400) according to the present embodimentmay be performed by the control apparatus 200 of FIG. 2 and/or thedigital image processing device 300 of FIG. 3. Thus, the descriptions ofthe control apparatus 200 and/or the digital image processing device 300are referred to in order to explain the method (S400).

The method (S400) may be a program or algorithm that is stored instorage means such as the DRAM 204, the EEPROM 205, and the MCI 206 ofFIG. 2 or may be embodied in firmware such as a semiconductor chip.

The method (S400) may be used by a digital image processing apparatushaving no zoom lens or in a digital image processing apparatus in whichan operation of a zoom lens barrel is not required since initiating azoom lens location is not required during a photographing preparationoperation.

Referring to FIG. 4, the method (S400) may include generating a motionsignal (operations S420 and S430); comparing a motion signal (operationsS440 and S450); and photographing-preparation & operating (operationsS460 and S480).

In the generating of the motion signal (operations S420 and S430), themotion signal is generated by detecting a motion of the body 100 a (seeFIG. 1). In the comparing of the motion signal (operations S440 andS450), the motion signal is compared with a reference level that ispreviously set. In the photographing-preparation & operating (operationsS460 and S480), when a signal level of the motion signal is equal to orhigher than the reference level, the photographing preparation operationis performed.

In the method (S400), the motion signal is generated by detecting themotion of the body 100 a (see FIG. 1) by the motion sensor 310 (FIG. 3),and the photographing preparation operation is performed when the motionof the body (or apparatus) 100 a (see FIG. 1) is recognized as aphotographing preliminary motion.

For example, when a user picks up the digital camera 100 (see FIG. 1) inorder to urgently take a photograph, a velocity or angular velocity ofthe motion of the body 100 a may momentarily change. In this case, evenif the digital camera 100 (see FIG. 1) is in a power-off state or in asleep mode, the digital camera 100 can be powered-on without pushing aseparate power switch to enter a mode in which the digital camera 100can perform photographing.

Since a user can save the time required to push a power button, thephotographing preparation operation can be completed within a shortperiod of time. Thus, since an unexpected chance for photographing canbe seized, a desired image can be captured.

To achieve this, the method (S400) may further include determining apower switch state (operation S410). In the determining of the powerswitch state (operation S410), it may be determined whether the powerswitch is powered-off.

At this time, when the power switch is powered-off, the generating ofthe motion signal (operations S420 and S430) may be performed togenerate the motion signal. When the power switch is powered-on, ageneral photographing mode may be performed (operation S490). That is,when the power switch is powered-off, it is determined that the digitalcamera 100 is in a sleep mode corresponding to a power saving mode. Inaddition, it may be determined in response to the motion signal that auser's photographing preliminary motion is performed in the sleep mode.

In a sleep mode, all elements of the digital image processing device 300(see FIG. 3) except for some elements required to promptly use thedigital image processing device 300 may be maintained in a power-offstate. In this case, when the digital image processing device 300 doesnot operate for a reference period of time that is previously set or aperiod of time longer than the reference period, the power switch may bedesigned to enter a power-off state.

To achieve this, the method (S400) may further include an operation (notshown) in which the power switch is powered-off to be in a sleep modewhen the digital image processing device 300 does not operate for areference period of time that is previously set or a period of timelonger than the reference period.

The generating of the motion signal (operations S420 and S430) mayinclude performing a motion sensing mode (operation S420) and performinga motion sensor sleep mode (operation S430). In the performing of themotion sensing mode (operation S420), when it is determined that thepower switch is powered-off, based on the result of the determining ofthe power switch state (operation S410), a motion of the body 100 a (seeFIG. 1) may be detected to generate a motion signal at predeterminedtime intervals.

The motion signal may be at least one of an angular velocity signal fordetecting an angular velocity due to the motion of the body 100 a and anacceleration signal for detecting a velocity change due to the motion ofthe body 100 a. In this case, the angular velocity may be generated dueto shake of the body 100 a, and the velocity change may be generated byoscillation of the body 100 a.

In the performing of the motion sensor sleep mode (operation S430), themotion sensor 310 (see FIG. 3) generates the motion signal for detectingthe motion of the body 100 a by using the minimum power required tooperate the motion sensor 310. The generating of the motion signal(operations S420 and S430) may be performed in a sleep mode or in apower-off state.

The angular velocity signal may correspond to a rotational component ofthe motion of the body 100 a, and the acceleration signal may correspondto a linear component of the motion of the body 100 a.

The comparing of the motion signal (operations S440 and S450) mayinclude a first comparing operation (operation S440) and a secondcomparing operation (operation S450). In the first comparing operation(operation S440), a first signal level of the angular signal is comparedwith a first reference level that is previously set. In the secondcomparing operation (S450), a second signal level of the accelerationsignal is compared with a second reference level that is previously set.

At this time, when the first signal level is equal to or higher than thefirst reference signal, or when the second signal level is equal to orhigher than the second reference signal, the photographing-preparationand operating (operations S460 and S480) is performed to perform thephotographing preparation operation. That is, when any one of theangular velocity and the acceleration signal is equal to or higher thanthe reference level, it may be determined that a user's photographingpreparation signal is input.

In the method (S400), since a momentary user's input can be detectedfrom the motion signal including both the angular velocity signal andthe acceleration signal, a momentary change in the motion of the body100 a can be seized without missing the change.

The photographing-preparation and operating (operations S460 and S480)performing the photographing preparation operation may include operatinga power switch (operation S460) and a photographing preparationoperation (operation S480). The operation of operating the power switch(operation S460) and the photographing preparation operation (S480) maybe performed when the motion signal is equal to or higher than areference level.

In the operation of operating the power switch (operation S460), whenthe power switch is maintained in a power-off state, and then a signallevel of the motion signal is equal to or higher than a reference level,it is determined that a user's photographing preparation signal isinput, and then the power switch is powered-on. Thus, rapidphotographing can be performed by a user's input using a shutter releasebutton.

To achieve this, in a sleep mode, various photographing preparationoperations may be performed in the photographing preparation operation(operation S480).

According to the present embodiment, in the method (S400), when themotion of the body 100 is detected based on the motion signal, if themotion of the body 100 is recognized as the photographing preliminarymotion, that is, it is determined that a user's photographingpreparation signal is input, the photographing operation may beperformed.

Even if the digital image processing device 300 is in a power-off or ina sleep mode, the digital image processing device 300 can be powered-onwithout pushing a separate power button. Thus, since the photographingpreparation operation can be completed in a short period of time inresponse to a user's momentary operation, an unexpected chance forphotography can be seized in order to capture a desired image.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an example of a method (S500) of controlling adigital image processing apparatus, according to another embodiment ofthe present invention.

The method (S500) according to the present embodiment further includespreparing a zoom lens barrel (operation S570) in addition to the method(S400) of FIG. 4. Thus, the method (S500) may be used in a digital imageprocessing apparatus including a zoom lens.

The method (S500) may include the same operations as those of the method(S400) of FIG. 4, and thus their detailed descriptions are not givenhere.

Referring to FIG. 5, the method (S500) may include determining a powerswitch state (operation S510); generating a motion signal (operationsS520 and S530); comparing a motion signal (operations S540 and S550);and photographing-preparation and operating (operations S560, S570 andS580).

In the determining of the power switch state (operation S510), it may bedetermined whether the power switch is powered-off. In the generating ofthe motion signal (operations S520 and S530), a motion of the body 100 a(see FIG. 1) is detected to generate a motion signal. In the comparingof the motion signal (operations S540 and S550), the motion signal iscompared with a reference signal that is previously set. In thephotographing-preparation and operating (operations S560, S570 andS580), when the motion signal is equal to or higher than a referencelevel, a photographing preparation operation is performed.

When it is determined that the power switch is powered-off in thedetermining of the power switch (operation S510), the generating of themotion signal (operations S520 and S530) is performed to generate themotion signal. When it is determined that the power switch is powered-onin the determining of the power switch state (operation S510), a generalphotographing mode may be performed (operation S590).

That is, when the power switch is powered-off, it is determined that adigital image processing apparatus is in a sleep mode corresponding to apower saving mode. In addition, it may be determined by the motionsignal that a user's photographing preliminary motion is performed in asleep mode. In this case, the generating of the motion signal(operations S520 and S530) may be performed.

In addition, the method (S500) may further include an operation (notshown) in which the power switch is powered-off to be in a sleep modewhen a digital image processing device does not operate for a referenceperiod of time that is previously set or a period of time longer thatthe reference period of time.

The generating of the motion signal (operations S520 and S530) mayinclude performing a motion sensing mode (operation S520) and aperforming a motion sensor sleep mode (operation S530).

In the performing of the motion sensing mode (operation S520), when itis determined that the power is powered-off, based on the result of thedetermining of the power switch state (operation S510), a motion of thebody 100 a (see FIG. 1) may be detected to generate a motion signal atpredetermined time intervals.

In the performing of the motion sensor sleep mode (operation S530), themotion sensor generates the motion signal for detecting the motion ofthe body 100 a by using the minimum power required to operate the motionsensor 310. The generating of the motion signal (operations S520 andS530) may be performed in a sleep mode or in a power-off state.

The comparing of the motion signal (operations S540 and S550) mayinclude a first comparing operation (operation S540) and a secondcomparing operation (operation S550). In the first comparing operation(S540), a first signal level of an angular signal is compared with afirst reference level that is previously set. In the second comparingoperation (S550), a second signal level of an acceleration signal iscompared with a second reference signal that is previously set.

In the method (S500), since a user's momentary input can be detectedfrom the motion signal including both the angular velocity signal andthe acceleration signal, a moment change in the motion of the body 100 acan be seized without missing the change.

The photographing-preparation and operating (operations S560, S570 andS580) may include preparing a power switch (operation S560), preparing azoom lens barrel (operation S570) and photographing-preparation andoperating (operation S580).

In the preparing of the power switch (operation S560), when the powerswitch is maintained in a power-off state, and then the motion signal isequal to or higher than a reference level, it is determined that auser's photographing preparation signal is input, and then the powerswitch is powered-on. Thus, rapid photographing can be performed by auser's input using a shutter release button.

In a sleep mode, various photographing preparation operations may beperformed in the photographing-preparation and operating (operationS580).

In the preparing of the zoom lens barrel (operation S570), a zoom lensis moved to a reference location that is previously set. To achievethis, a zoom lens barrel including the zoom lens may be moved to a lensbarrel location that is previously set.

The preparing of the zoom lens barrel (operation S570) may includeoperating the zoom lens barrel (operation S572), determining a locationof a zoom lens barrel (operation S573), and stopping an operation of thezoom lens barrel (operation S574).

In the operating of the zoom lens barrel (operation S572), the zoom lensbarrel is moved by operating the zoom lens barrel. In the determining ofthe location of the zoom lens barrel (operation S573), it is determinedwhether the zoom lens is moved to a reference location that ispreviously set. In the stopping of the operation of the zoom lens barrel(operation S574), when the zoom lens is moved to the reference location,an operation of the zoom lens is stopped.

In the operating of the zoom lens barrel (operation S572), the zoom lensbarrel operates until the zoom lens barrel is moved to the referencelocation through the determining of the location of the zoom lens barrel(operation S573) and the stopping of the operation of the zoom lensbarrel (operation S574).

Thus, when the operation of the zoom lens barrel is required in a sleepmode, the zoom lens can be moved to a photographing preparation locationby moving the zoom lens barrel to the reference location. At this time,the reference location may be a wide-angle end WIDE of the zoom lensbarrel, like in a general case.

In addition, the preparing of the zoom lens barrel (operation S570) mayfurther include setting a driving velocity (operation S571). In thesetting of the driving velocity (operation S571), the driving velocityof the zoom lens barrel may be set. At this time, the driving velocityof the zoom lens barrel is a velocity at which the zoom lens barrel isdriven in order to move the zoom lens to the reference location.

At this time, when the zoom lens barrel is moved by a user's zoomingmanipulation, the zoom lens barrel may be moved at a first velocity. Inaddition, when a signal level of the motion signal is equal to or higherthan a reference level, the zoom lens barrel may be driven at a secondvelocity that is higher than the first velocity.

Thus, when the zoom lens barrel is moved by a user's zoomingmanipulation, the zoom lens barrel is driven at the first velocity thatis slower than the second velocity. In addition, when the signal levelof the motion signal is equal to or higher than the reference level, thezoom lens barrel may be driven at the second velocity that is higherthan the first velocity.

When the zoom lens is moved by a user's manipulation of a power switch,the zoom lens moves at the first velocity. On the other hand, when thesignal level of the motion signal is equal to or higher than thereference level, the zoom lens may be moved at the second velocity thatare higher than the first velocity.

Thus, the photographing preparation operation due to a user's momentarymotion is completed at high speed, and thus a user can capture a desiredimage without missing a chance for photographing.

At this time, the zoom lens barrel may operate in order to move the zoomlens to the photographing preparation location. When a problem ariseswith power consumption of the zoom lens barrel or load applied to thedriving driver during the operation of the zoom lens barrel, the zoomlens barrel may be driven at the first velocity. When a rapid operationof the zoom lens barrel is required, the zoom lens barrel may be drivenat the second velocity.

The various illustrative units, logical blocks, modules, and circuitsdescribed in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may beimplemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a digitalsignal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit(ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmablelogic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardwarecomponents, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functionsdescribed herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor,but, in the alternative, the processor may be any conventionalprocessor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processormay also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., acombination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality ofmicroprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSPcore, or any other such configuration.

Further, the steps and/or actions of a method or algorithm described inconnection with the aspects disclosed herein may be embodied directly inhardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in acombination of the two. A software module may reside in RAM memory,flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, a harddisk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage mediumknown in the art. An exemplary storage medium may be coupled to theprocessor, such that the processor can read information from, and writeinformation to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storagemedium may be integral to the processor. Further, in some aspects, theprocessor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. Additionally,the ASIC may reside in a user terminal. In the alternative, theprocessor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in auser terminal. Additionally, in some aspects, the steps and/or actionsof a method or algorithm may reside as one or any combination or set ofinstructions on a machine readable medium and/or computer readablemedium.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and describedwith reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understoodby one of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form anddetails may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scopeof the present invention as defined by the following claims.

1. A digital image processing apparatus comprising: a motion sensorinstalled in the digital image processing apparatus and configured togenerate a motion signal in response to motion of the apparatus; and acontroller configured to receive the motion signal and generate aphotographing preparation signal when the motion signal is determined tobe a photographing motion; and wherein the digital image processingapparatus is configured to perform a photographing operation in responseto the generated photographing preparation signal.
 2. The digital imageprocessing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the photographing motion is auser moving the digital image processing apparatus to the user's face.3. The digital image processing apparatus of claim 1, further comprisinga power switch configured to enter a power-on state in response to thegenerated photographing preparation signal.
 4. The digital imageprocessing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the motion sensor comprises: anangular velocity sensor configured to generate a first signal indicativeof an angular velocity of the apparatus; and an acceleration sensorconfigured to generate a second signal indicative of a velocity changeof the apparatus.
 5. The digital image processing apparatus of claim 1,further comprising: a zoom lens; a driving unit configured to drive thezoom lens; and wherein the digital image processing apparatus isconfigured to move the zoom lens to a reference location in response tothe generated photographing preparation signal.
 6. The digital imageprocessing apparatus of claim 5, wherein the digital image processingapparatus is configured to move the zoom lens at a second velocityhigher than a first velocity in response to the generated photographingpreparation signal and a user's manipulation of the zoom lens at thefirst velocity.
 7. The digital image processing apparatus of claim 3,wherein the controller is configured to generate a signal for the powerswitch to enter a power-off state when the digital processing apparatusis idle for a reference period of time.
 8. The digital image processingapparatus of claim 1, wherein the digital processing apparatus is oneof: a digital camera, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a phonecamera, a PC camera, or a device that includes an image recognitionsensor.
 9. The digital image processing apparatus of claim 4, whereinthe controller is configured to receive the first signal from theangular velocity sensor and the second signal from the accelerationsensor, and configured to generate the photographing preparation signalwhen the first signal is greater than a first reference level or whenthe second signal is greater than a second reference level.
 10. A methodof controlling a digital image processing apparatus, the methodcomprising: in response to motion of the apparatus, generating a motionsignal; determining whether or not the motion signal is a photographingmotion; generating a photographing preparation signal when the generatedmotion signal is determined to be a photographing motion; and when thephotographing preparation signal is generated, performing aphotographing preparation operation.
 11. The method of claim 10, whereinin response to motion of the apparatus, further comprises: in responseto motion of the apparatus, generating a motion signal only when thepower switch is powered-off.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein performa photographing preparation operation comprises: performing aphotographing preparation operation by powering-on a power switch of thedigital image processing apparatus.
 13. The method of claim 10, whereingenerating comprises: in response to motion of the apparatus, generatinga first motion signal indicating an angular velocity of the apparatusand generating a second motion signal indicating an acceleration of theapparatus.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein determining whether ornot the motion signal is a photographing motion, further comprises:determining the motion signal is a photographing motion if the level ofthe first signal is greater than a first reference level or if the levelof the second signal is greater than a second reference level.
 15. Themethod of claim 13, wherein determining whether or not the motion signalis a photographing motion, further comprises: determining the motionsignal is a photographing motion based on the first signal and thesecond signal.
 16. The method of claim 10, further comprising:powering-off the power switch when the digital image processingapparatus does not operate for a reference period of time.
 17. Themethod of claim 9, wherein performing a photographing preparationoperation further comprises: performing a photographing preparationoperation by moving a zoom lens to a reference location.
 18. The methodof claim 17, wherein performing a photographing preparation operationfurther comprises: performing a photographing preparation operation bysetting a driving velocity at which the zoom lens barrel is driven so asto move the zoom lens to the reference location.
 19. The method of claim18, further comprising: performing a photographing preparation operationby: when the zoom lens is moved at a first velocity by a user's zoomingmanipulation, moving the zoom lens at a second velocity higher than thefirst velocity.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein moving a zoom lensfurther comprises: operating a barrel of the zoom lens; determiningwhether the zoom lens barrel is moved to a reference location that ispreviously set; and stopping the operation of the zoom lens barrel whenthe zoom lens barrel is moved to the reference location.